Cape Town - Ajax Cape Town coach Muhsin Ertugral believes that defensive-midfielder Gerald Takwara has the potential to follow in the footsteps of renowned former Kaizer Chiefs destroyer, Tinashe Nengomasha.

Takwara recently signed a three-year deal with the Urban Warriors to play in the South African Premiership and made his debut in a 2-1 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns last Tuesday.

He drew praise from Ertugral for his display against the Brazilians, and the Turk takes the view that the player can one day emulate his more esteemed countryman.

He said, "Takwara showed what kind of player he can be. But he is not fit enough and not powerful enough. I don’t mean in the physique, but rather the acceleration. His first three or four metres need to be quicker.

"When Tinashe [Nengomasha] first came me [at Kaizer Chiefs], he was a lot like that. Some players you need to train in speed forms, so we need to work on that and I think it will kick in in two or three weeks and then we will have a different Takwara."

Ajax originally decided to sign the tough-tackling midfielder after his impressive showing for the Zimbabwe national team at the Cosafa Cup in July last year, where he helped the Warriors to win the title.

Ajax who sit rock bottom in the Absa Premiership standings next face Platinum Stars on Friday with both teams fighting relegation.

Kick off is at 20:00.